I had my man Mortal and his daughter over for some morning convo. In the midst of our usual complaints and witty banter, his daughter asked “…what is that machine, over there?” I responded - with a sparkling-eye of pride, “well, that is the cherished MPC 2000 – a beat-machine, if you will.” Thinking that would be the end of it - seeing that the child is only 7, Mortal inserted with a “…maybe William will give you an example of what he does on it.” Naturally, I could not let an opportunity to educate pass. I interrupted whatever we were disgusted with and commenced the lesson.

I informed her that the MPC is a machine waiting to be filled with sound and instruction. Nothing is pre-fabricated. “So where does the sound come from, pray-tell?” I pointed in the direction, where the sound resides… Records, LP’s, wax – vinyl, to name a few of its names. Thus, I pulled-out a few stacks and began the audible examples.

First example displayed was a cherished gem of a woman by the name of Astrud Gilberto. Reppin’ Brazil - with which brought over the bossa nova movement and sound, her voice melted many-a-men into submission; could you believe that such a talent was cursed with the fear of stage-fright?

Astrud Gilberto – Take It Easy, My Brother Charlie (sample excerpt)

Astrud Gilberto – Take It Easy, My Brother Charlie (full song)

As I pointed out, the beginning was the prize. Instructed her on what to listen for, and then proceeded to load up the sequence on my MPC with what came from Astrud’s blessing. With a little help from the HONEYDRIPPERS’ “Impeach the President”

and my friends the TR808/909 drum-machines, I let her hear this:

Formulate a Process (instrumental example segment)

I told about the practice of ideas and concepts that were conjured up due to the listening of a beat. Once a beat was “felt”, thus began the writing and song-creation. The final-outcome, I uttered… was this:

Toy Box Scholars – Formulate a Process

I’d hope to get a rise out of her. I didn’t. I got something even better… silence. As if she was trying to comprehend what took place in order to create such wonderful mastery’s of audio-displays.

Maybe she understood, perhaps not. I’d like to think… that she is aware of something that a large-mass of people – disregarding age – ain’t up on. It is to love and enjoy this form of music. I think she got that message…naturally.